Hades 2 takes everything that made its predecessor brilliant, and gives players more of it. One of those things is an excellent protagonist, as players who adored Zagreus will fall in love with Melinoë as well. Both the children of Hades are dynamic, well-written, three-dimensional characters, whose personal journeys are just as important as their daring ventures through the Underworld. Their complexity makes them interesting, which in turn makes it easy for players to care about them and grow invested in seeing their stories through to the end.
At first glance, Hades’ dutiful daughter and rebellious son might seem like polar opposites. Yet, while they are different in many ways, there are certain commonalities between them. Not only does this help the sequel feel distinct while maintaining the feel of the original, but it also makes Melinoë and Zagreus feel like realistic siblings — even if they’ve never met.
He's Fighting His Way Out; She's Fighting Her Way In
Opposing Journeys Through Hell
Hades 2 flips the original game’s premise on its head. Whereas Zagreus was fighting his way to the surface, Melinoë is seeking a way down, into the pits of Tartarus and the House of Hades where her enemy lies. Even her journey up Mount Olympus is a similar concept: her goal is to breach defenses and find a way in.
Ultimately, Zag’s journey is one of escape, while Mel’s is one of infiltration. He has spent his life trapped in the House of Hades, cut off from what lies beyond, and is desperate for more. She has spent her life in exile, stripped of her birthright and cast out of her rightful home. Both are determined to reclaim something that was denied to them by their circumstances, and their goals lie at opposite ends of the Underworld.
They're Both Fighting For Family
Familial Bonds Are A Series Theme
Zagreus’ goal is to reunite with his mother Persephone, to connect with his family members on Olympus away from the stifling grasp of his father. Melinoë seeks to free her family from Chronos’ tyranny. Both are driven by a desire to connect with family they have never known.
In both cases too, their final enemy is ultimately the one who separated them from their family members in the first place. Of course, their situations are different — Hades kept Zagreus from Persephone in an attempt to prevent war with the other gods, while Chronos started a war that separated Melinoë from her parents and brother. But both must overcome tremendous obstacles to forge a familial bond that they were denied.
Duty Versus Rebellion
Their Biggest Motivations Are Opposites
Both of Hades’ children have roles they were assigned almost from birth. However, while Zagreus rejected his outright, his younger sister embodies hers completely. His goal is to escape the narrow confines of what has been deemed his “birthright,” while Melinoë’s objective is to see hers through.
Zagreus was born into the House of Hades, but due to his father’s distance and cold demeanor, has never felt much of a responsibility towards it. Melinoë, on the other hand, has been trained for her task since the moment Hecate rescued her from Chronos’ takeover of Hades. The people around him have become used to Zagreus’ restless nature and attitude, and he doesn’t much care about their expectations. Melinoë’s comerades at the Crossroads, however, expect great things from her, and she intends to deliver.
They Both Wear Their Hearts On Their Sleeve
Neither One Minces Words
Zagreus endeared himself to legions of fans with his penchant for snark, which added to his headstrong, rebellious character. He’s not above flinging a few verbal barbs at his opponents, especially the pompous and arrogant Theseus. But his tendency towards candor isn’t just for his foes — he’s straightforward with his friends and loved ones. Zagreus doesn’t play coy about his feelings for Meg, Than, or Dusa, and he isn’t afraid to call out his friends when they need to hear it.
Melinoë may be a bit more reserved than her brother, but she too speaks her mind freely, not hesitating to rebuke her enemies or tell her friends how much she cares. She isn’t shy about telling Icarus she misses him, or telling Eris exactly what she thinks of her. Her sassy side isn’t as obvious as Zag’s, but she does display a dry sense of humor. When Scylla wants Mel’s opinion on the band’s new song, telling her she welcomes feedback from fans, Melinoë tells her to ask them instead.
Drastically Different Upbringings
Contrasting Expectations
Zagreus grew up within the confines of the House of Hades, with a stern, cold, distant god for a father. Players get the sense that he was always seen as “the boss’s son,” living in his father’s shadow. His father never seemed to bother to train him for any duties, and so he rejected his role. He found a maternal figure in Nyx (whom he long believed to be his biological mother) and a mentor in Achilles, who both have faith in him. Hades, though, seems to have had some disdain for Zagreus’ capabilities from the start. He expects little from his son, and plenty of others in the House of Hades seem to have taken on this attitude as well.
Melinoë, on the other hand, was raised by a group of people pinning their hopes on her. From day one, she was trained by Hecate for the task she would eventually complete. She learned from Selene, Artemis, Medea, Circe, and more, all of whom have faith in her strength and her ability to defeat Chronos. There are those who doubt her (Nemesis, for one), but most of the people around her have incredibly high expectations of her.
They Both Have A Hidden Soft Side
Kindness Beneath The Surface
Zagreus is the reckless, rebellious, wayward son of the God of the Dead. Melinoë is the reserved, dedicated, goal-driven exiled princess. They both have somewhat tough exteriors, though in very different ways. But as players get to know them, they both reveal a certain softness underneath.
Zagreus makes many new acquaintances in his journey through the Underworld, and as he learns their stories, his first instinct is almost always to find a way to help them. He seeks to break the contracts that keep Sisyphus in chains, keep Orpheus and Eurydice from reconciling, and keep Achilles and Patroclus apart. It’s partly another act of rebellion towards his father, yes — but his actions come from a place of compassion and a desire to help the people he cares about.
Melinoë also seeks to help those she encounters. Her fondness for animals shows up several times throughout her story, in her interactions with her familiars and her encounters with Cerberus. She wants the Crossroads to be a safe haven for anyone who needs one, and encourages Icarus and Moros to seek refuge there. The children of Hades get their stubbornness and candor from their father, but they’ve also inherited a key trait of Persephone’s: kindness and compassion.